Man of La Mancha
What the Critics Had to Say in 2001
"…Man of
La Mancha " is a relatively true-to-its-roots rendition that is pleasing for a first [musical]outing, suggesting that Keegan’s growth in the Signature mold is continuing.
Robert Leembruggen, this time around sans beard, has proven himself a fan favorite over and over again. Once a merciless thug in Keegan’s acclaimed "The Field," he of late has turned in some comic roles. In this case, he’s an amusing but fortunately not overblown Sancho Panza, trying to keep his master close to reality.
Director Rhea has joined with musical director Judy Levine and choreographer Peggy McGrath to fashion a taut production that keeps moving.
Keegan went with a standard to kick off its place in the local musical theater scene, and that’s a good thing. The troupe has proved itself creative and innovative, and adding a musical component to its repertoire is a winner for the local arts scene."
- Matt Reville,
Northern Virginia Sun
"And like Don Quixote, the Keegan is untroubled by the reality of its own limitations. Despite an uneven cast and a thin budget, director Mark A. Rhea hits the mark more often than he misses in the theater’s most ambitious undertaking to date.
It’s the music that matters, and in this regard the Keegan is dead-on. With voices well suited to the material, the supporting cast and principals -- David Jourdan as Don Quixote, Toni Rae Brotons as the Don’s fantasy woman and Robert Leembruggen as the faithful servant, Sancho -- more than make up for the limited production values."
- Dolores Whiskeyman, Special to The
Washington Post
"Well, Rhea and his bold lads and lasses may tumble off their horses once or twice, but you know what? His impossible dream looks pretty dreamy up there.
This is a story (about the Don) within a story (that of Cervantes’ imprisonment). These tales both concern daunting circumstances and the escapist visions that transcend them. To them, let’s add the story about Rhea’s inspiring an exceptionally well-prepared cast and crew to defy expectations, share his ambitious vision, and deliver a pleasing, if not always entirely professional, product. Unmiked, the cast, by and large, render the songs with finesse and admirable projection.
... the players really shine. Jourdan, in the title role, achieves the requisite alchemy to switch back and forth between the melancholy, charismatic Cervantes and the beautifully batty Knight of the Woeful Countenance. He also has the rich and fluid baritone, taxed maybe just a bit toward the low end, to put across the sweet homage “Dulcinea” and even “The Impossible Dream”- which, in lesser hands, could induce post-traumatic lousy-dinner-theater syndrome, evidenced by involuntary eye-rolling and program shuffling.
[Leembruggen’s] timing is smart, his straightman delivery peppered with witty resignation.
This musical is a paean to idealism, in all its richness and ridiculousness. Presented poorly, it deflates into Man of La Nausea. But Rhea &
Co. joust earnestly with its timeless themes and, though outmatched by some logistical windmills, charge valiantly to victory. As you head out [of the theater] humming the finale, you’ll see a bright flash. The sign of Generous George’s pizza parlor? Of course not. It’s the glint, from the school auditorium on the hill behind you, of Rhea’s armor."
-
Alexander
C.
Kafka,
City Paper
Based on Cervantes’ classic, Don Quixote comes to life as an old knight who seeks honor in the world, but instead finds true love. Since its off-Broadway beginnings in the 1960s, this show has warmed the heart and taught us all that it is still important to follow your dreams. Keegan’s 10th Anniversary production will once again feature the incredible talent of Helen Hayes nominated actor and Keegan Company member David Jourdan as Don Quixote.
